Earlier this year, the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub in partnership with Startupbootcamp AfriTech and Ventures Platform Foundation, announced its iNOVO program – a 3-month digital Accelerator program for 10 startups with disruptive solutions to challenges arising from the COVID-19 Pandemic in the AgriTech, EdTech and HealthTech sectors.
During an intensive 1 month search for startups, there were more than 750 applications. Through numerous startup engagement calls, and a filtering process, the Top 20 teams were invited to participate in Final Selection Days hosted this past week. Each team had to pitch their businesses to some of the most progressive leaders in Nigeria including corporate partners and mentors.
Today, we are honored to welcome these 10 extraordinary Nigeria Innovators to join the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub iNOVO Accelerator program:
AgriTech
Provides farmers with predictive analytics to determine the best crops to plant, as well as offtake agreements through an online marketplace combined with a network of franchised off-line locations.
Online platform providing farmers with microloans and direct access to buyers at competitive market prices.
A mobile and web app providing households access to hassle-free food loans while reducing food wastage for retailers.
Providing farmers with near real-time crop advisory services using satellite-based remote imagery and sensing.
EdTech
Curriculum-relevant video lessons combined with gamified exam practice for Africans, anywhere.
AI-based Mobile adaptive learning tool that grants access to high-quality educational content via SMS or USSD.
A multilingual, gamified learning solution for K-12 schools that uses AI for Analytics and content generation.
HealthTech
A telepharmacy and medication delivery platform that offers an easier, and faster way for patients to access medicines from the comfort of your home.
Software-as-a-service procurement platform enables healthcare providers to streamline, access and procure their essential medicines seamlessly.
A hospital management software that helps hospitals digitalize and automate their processes in all departments ranging from the Patient records department, Out-Patient Department (OPD) to Reception, Theatres, Pharmacy and more.
Commenting on this, Lamide Johnson, the Deputy Director of the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub stated:
“the iNOVO program is a re-affirmation of the existence of great tech-startups in Nigeria who are designing and developing innovative solutions to addressing some major local problems faced in Nigeria.” He stated that, “through this program, the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub will continue to support the Nigeria Tech-ecosystem by providing opportunities for Startups to accelerate and expand their impact.”
The iNOVO program kicked off on 15th March 2021 for 3 months with the Demo Day on 10th June 2021 where they will get to pitch to the world. During the intense 3 months, they will receive capacity building, lean startup training, mentorship, and support to rapidly scale their products and business models by directly engaging on the Accelerator Squared platform.
Accelerator Squared has disrupted the accelerator industry and provides three pillars of support for startups – Startup Education, a Marketplace, and Unique Social Network for Founders. The app and web portal include the most comprehensive database of Startup knowledge globally, for all the stages of your business and an exclusive digital community where startups, scaleups, talent and prospects connect and network. As startups reach investor-readiness, they’ll have access to a unique marketplace where they’re able to meet and connect to investors as well as corporate leads.
In addition to the 10 Startups in the program, there are an additional 100 startups that have been offered life-time access to the digital Accelerator Squared platform where they can use the modules to help build and scale their startup into a successful business.
The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub iNOVO program has some incredible partners which include MSG91, Sidebrief, AWS and Miro which are collectively providing support and credits valued at $15,000 per startup.
Individuals interested in learning more about the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub are enjoined to stay glued to the Hub’s social media platforms to learn more about their programs.
About UK Tech Hub Nigeria
The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub is an initiative of the UK Government Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport with the aim of developing a stronger Nigerian digital ecosystem through the development of skills, entrepreneurship and business partnerships.
About Startupbootcamp AfriTech and Accelerator Squared
Startupbootcamp AfriTech was launched in 2017 as the first multi-corporate-backed pan-African startup accelerator. We run a 3-month accelerator program, working with 10 startups that have been scouted across the continent with a niche focus on high-growth tech startups. We provide them access to our network of mentors and corporates as well as investors. During our scouting phase, we typically receive thousands of applications and we meet 1:1 with more than 250 founders per year, resulting in the deepest and broadest insight into the African innovation ecosystem.
About Ventures Platform Hub
Ventures Platform Hub is a catalyst for innovation & entrepreneurship across Africa. It provides smart capital through its early-stage fund, Ventures Platform Fund, it provides infrastructure and nurtures communities of entrepreneurs and innovators through Ventures Park and it builds pipelines by providing capacity and ecosystem support through its not-for-profit – Ventures Platform Foundation.